Composer

:

Elliott Carter

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Sinfonia

Compose Date

:

1993 - 1996

First Performance

:

Apr 25, 1998

Average_duration

:

45:33

Symphonia: sum fluxae pretium spei is a composition by the American composer Elliott Carter. It was composed in 1993 and premiered on October 28, 1993, by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Seiji Ozawa. The work is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 25 minutes. The first movement, marked "Allegro scorrevole," is characterized by its fast and flowing tempo. The music is highly rhythmic, with complex polyrhythms and syncopations. The movement features a prominent role for the percussion section, which provides a driving pulse throughout. The second movement, marked "Adagio tenebroso," is much slower and more introspective than the first. The music is characterized by long, sustained lines and a sense of melancholy. The movement features a prominent role for the strings, which play long, expressive melodies. The third movement, marked "Allegro energico," is the most energetic and virtuosic of the three. The music is characterized by its fast tempo and complex rhythms, with frequent changes in meter and tempo. The movement features a prominent role for the brass and woodwind sections, which play fast, virtuosic lines. Overall, Symphonia: sum fluxae pretium spei is a highly complex and challenging work, both for performers and listeners. It showcases Carter's mastery of rhythm and his ability to create intricate, multi-layered textures. The work is also notable for its use of extended techniques, such as microtonal tuning and unconventional playing techniques, which add to its unique sound world.

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